Riding a motorcycle can be pure joy, but it is also a risk. Motorcycle helmet laws are in place to protect bikers in Spring, TX if they are in a crash. If you do not know the law regarding motorcycle helmets, or if you are wondering how the laws pertain to the accident that left you injured, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP could help.
Be informed, and reach out if you have any questions regarding motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Motorcycle helmet laws require every rider under the age of 21 to wear a DOT-approved helmet. It does not matter if the person is operating the motorcycle or riding along as a passenger, they must wear a helmet. Riders over the age of 21 are exempt from the legal requirement to wear a helmet if they can satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- The rider has completed an approved motorcycle operator training course
- The rider has purchased at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage covering motorcycle-related injuries
The Texas Department of Transportation does encourage motorcycle riders of all ages to wear a helmet for their own safety.
Consequences for Not Following the Motorcycle Helmet Laws
If a rider under the age of 21 does not wear a helmet, they could be fined and lose points on their driver’s license.
If riders are exempt from the helmet laws, they must have proof of the exemption with them. If pulled over for a different reason, the officer could add a fine for failure to follow the helmet laws if there is no proof of completing a motorcycle operator training course or proof of insurance coverage.
Even riders in Spring who are exempt from the motorcycle helmet laws could face related consequences if they are not wearing a helmet. For example, if they were in an accident that resulted in serious injury, the failure to wear a helmet could make an impact on insurance claims. It is very important to seek assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney if this happens.
Can the Police Pull Someone Over for Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet?
Police officers cannot pull over a motorcyclist without a helmet if they are only looking for proof of helmet exemption. However, an officer could pull a motorcyclist over for a number of other reasons, such as speeding and traffic violations, and then ask to see proof that they are exempt from the helmet laws.
Reasons for Wearing a Helmet While Riding a Motorcycle
Safety is the number one reason for wearing a helmet and carefully following motorcycle helmet laws. Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injury, including head injuries, which are usually very serious and may take a long time to recover from, if recovery is even possible. A helmet could help soften the impact to the head and brain, which could mean the difference between life and death.
Wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle could have financial advantages, too, if the rider is involved in an accident that results in injuries. A rider wearing a helmet may receive more compensation than a rider without a helmet.
Get in Touch with a Spring Lawyer Who Understands Motorcycle Helmet Laws
You do not have to go through the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. Contact a lawyer who can help bring clarification to your situation and tell you what legal options are available. Schedule your free consultation in Spring, so we can discuss motorcycle helmet laws and how they apply to your quest for compensation.
